Raising Zona
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Arizona Cardinals: 5 first round options

By Scott Allen

Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Mackensie Alexander (2) blocks the pass intended for South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver D.J. Neal (3) during the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Mackensie Alexander (2) blocks the pass intended for South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver D.J. Neal (3) during the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide center Ryan Kelly (70) reacts against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide center Ryan Kelly (70) reacts against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft a center

The offensive line was another place I thought at first the Cardinals would stay away from in the first round.  The Cardinals aren’t completely sold with center A.Q. Shipley though.  Remember, this is a guy they brought in last year during free agency expecting him to compete for the starting center position.

Not only could he not beat out Ted Larsen, Larsen couldn’t win it either.  The competition was so disappointing, the Cardinals brought back Lyle Sendlein, a guy who many had all but written off as a chance to return to Arizona. Now, it’s time to think about the future.

I like Ryan Kelly from Alabama.  If he happens to be available still at 29, I have to believe this is the best option for the Cardinals.

Sure, they could still go out and get a center later in the draft but Kelly can start now.  He is NFL ready.  I just don’t want to see the Cardinals reach for another center in the first round if Kelly isn’t available.  We all know what happened when the Cardinals stretched in the first round last year on the offensive line.  At least word is tackle D.J. Humphries may finally be ready to compete for a starting spot on the line.  We’ll see.

Next: The Apple of their eye?

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